ATLANTA and SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. –

Manheim has a made a $50,000 annual commitment to the TechForce Foundation in support of its FutureTech Success campaign that aims to educate middle school and high school students about the benefits of a career as an auto technician, as well as challenge common misconceptions.

In addition to the funding, Manheim’s vice president of reconditioning Angie Babin, will also serve on the TechForce Foundation board, the company announced Tuesday.

The TechForce Foundation's FutureTech Success campaign is designed to combat the growing shortage of qualified auto technicians by informing middle school and high school students about current career paths, earning potential and new technologies being used.

“Sadly, auto shop classes are disappearing, and parents and students are not receiving information about the viability of technical work-related jobs,” Babin said in a news release announcing Manheim's partnership with TechForce. “The pipeline for auto technicians needs to be rebuilt, and by partnering with TechForce, we are proactively providing potential technicians with information and inspiration to pursue a lucrative and rewarding career.”

Manheim said that it will team up with TechForce to provide middle school and high school students both mentorships and apprentice programs with professional technicians who can share insight about their careers.

“Many parents today believe that the auto technicians job is a dead-end job requiring very little skill, and that’s just not the case.” explained Jennifer Maher, chief executive officer and executive director of the TechForce Foundation. “Today’s auto technicians use technology for their jobs and can have bright careers that progress from auto shops through management and even higher throughout the automotive industry.

“We’re excited to work together with Manheim to help fill the gap in the technician pipeline,”  Maher continued.